Attitude and relationships

[thegarageblog]

Jonbar18's discussion about the importance of marketing got me thinking about a conversation I had this Summer during a big race weekend.

One of my fellow shooters mentioned that he often sees me talking to racers and team members etc. He wondered allowed why I waste my time. "none of them buy anything anyway". I asked if any of the teams knew who he was and he said no. Well then, how do you expect them to buy anything from you if they don't know who you are?

This was a rather extreme example, but look around you the next time you are at an event with a bunch of pro shooters. It would be tough to find a more motley group of people. The ones who have been pros for a long time tend to be crusty, grumpy old folks with little good to say about pretty much anything.

In some cases, it is a good thing these guys have an editor to submit to, because their personality sure wouldn't win them any business!

I guess my point is that to make yourself known and find customers, you have to do more than traditional marketing. You need to meet people and make them like you. Perhaps stroke their egos a bit or at least make them feel special. Then, they will WANT to buy images from you!

Months later, when a potential client is looking for an image for a specific project, are they going to call one of the grumpy guys who never says hi, or the nice guy that is a pleasure to work with? I know who I would call.

[scootermcq]

Say what you will about Jim, but we still love him....

[CurlyCorry]

ROFLLLL... a few folks came to mind while reading this... and yes, sorry Jim, you were one of them!

[windrider86]

I agree with you. I take the time to talk to anyone and everyone. I pass out my card to anyone I talk to. Leave it on the tables and the restaurants I eat at. Leave brochures at the schools. Market myself on FB on a continuous basis.
You cant make a sale if no one knows who you are. Every moment of every day should reach out and scream of marketing for you and your business.

[Gobae]

We used to see this a lot when my wife and I did the craft fair scene. 80% of the time the people who had no customers (and no sales) at their booth were the same ones who were sitting behind their table with their arms crossed and a dour, grumpy look on their face.

In contrast some of our best customers were people who just wandered by and we simply gave them a friendly "Hello". A simple greeting and light conversation can make a difference.

[Biomech]

I agree, I don't stroke ego's though. I've found being friendly and honest is the best approach. In fact, I know it is for a fact and am a legend at customer service :P

I've officially been running my company 7 months now and in that time I've had nice emails, thank you cards, in fact my gf thinks I'm having an affair with half of my clients because the way they "chat" over email. If I may quote a favourite:

"Well you offered the best, and were by far the friendliest and quickest at replying - which in experience counts for a lot!"


(and I agree about Jim )

[thegarageblog]

LOL - my wife already thinks I'm having affairs with half of the female auto writers on the continent!

[RLucas]

This is funny. I am severely introverted, (except for the boards) and try and go out of my way to NOT talk to people, yet everyone I meet seems to like me. I have even been told by more than one person that I am a "great conversationalist". Go figure? lol!

I agree with Jamie. Stroking egos isn't my thing, but honesty is. I can always tell when someone is trying to blow sunshine up my butt, so I try not to do it myself.

[Bruce A]

It's the reason good salespeople join lots of clubs or organizations. Sell yourself and you'll sell your product.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by thegarageblog

Jonbar18's discussion about the importance of marketing got me thinking about a conversation I had this Summer during a big race weekend.

One of my fellow shooters mentioned that he often sees me talking to racers and team members etc. He wondered allowed why I waste my time. "none of them buy anything anyway". I asked if any of the teams knew who he was and he said no. Well then, how do you expect them to buy anything from you if they don't know who you are?

This was a rather extreme example, but look around you the next time you are at an event with a bunch of pro shooters. It would be tough to find a more motley group of people. The ones who have been pros for a long time tend to be crusty, grumpy old folks with little good to say about pretty much anything.

In some cases, it is a good thing these guys have an editor to submit to, because their personality sure wouldn't win them any business!

I guess my point is that to make yourself known and find customers, you have to do more than traditional marketing. You need to meet people and make them like you. Perhaps stroke their egos a bit or at least make them feel special. Then, they will WANT to buy images from you!

Months later, when a potential client is looking for an image for a specific project, are they going to call one of the grumpy guys who never says hi, or the nice guy that is a pleasure to work with? I know who I would call.

yup, narrowcasting and interactive marketing is very effective especially with the younger audiences because they need a connection with your business, i.e. building a business to client (even potential clients) relationship. Without the connection it just feels too dull and boring for that audience (ages 16-35). And especially for racers they tend to not live a dull lifestyle lol, so yea you have to be a bit more exciting and interact with them in order to get and keep their interests and not have them forget about you.